Salary Outlook
The BLS reports the median annual wage for architects increased slightly in 2011 to $73,340. The best-paid 10 percent in the profession made approximately $119,410, while the bottom 10 percent made approximately $44,030. To earn a salary on the higher end of this spectrum, you should consider Bridgeport, Conn., Santa Cruz, Calif., and Gary, Ind., which are the three metropolitan areas where the highest-paid in the profession work.
| Job Salary | Year |
|---|---|
| 2002 | $53,560.00 |
| 2004 | $66,030.00 |
| 2006 | $69,620.00 |
| 2008 | $79,670.00 |
| 2010 | $75,550.00 |
Average Architect Pay vs. All Creative Jobs
The average architect makes a salary that's fairly comparable to the other Creative Jobs on our list. For example, an architect's median salary, $73,340, is just about $8,000 less than what the typical art director makes, yet it is about $20,000 more than the median salary of a PR specialist.
| Job Name | Salary |
|---|---|
| Art Director | $81,260.00 |
| Architect | $73,340.00 |
| Public Relations Specialist | $53,190.00 |
See Complete List of Best Creative Jobs
Best Paying Cities for Architects
The highest paid in the architect profession work in the metropolitan areas of Bridgeport, CT, Santa Cruz, CA, and Gary, IN. The Fairbanks, AK area also pays well, as does the city of Beaumont, TX.
Bridgeport, CT
Average Salary: $114,230 | See Job Openings
The annual median wage of an architect working in Bridgeport, CT is $114,230, which is $40,890 more than the average pay in the profession.
Santa Cruz, CA
Average Salary: $114,170 | See Job Openings
The annual median wage of an architect working in Santa Cruz, CA is $114,170, which is $40,830 more than the average pay in the profession.
Gary, IN
Average Salary: $111,910 | See Job Openings
The annual median wage of an architect working in Gary, IN is $111,910, which is $38,570 more than the average pay in the profession.
Fairbanks, AK
Average Salary: $109,620 | See Job Openings
The annual median wage of an architect working in Fairbanks, AK is $109,620, which is $36,280 more than the average pay in the profession.
Beaumont, TX
Average Salary: $107,660 | See Job Openings
The annual median wage of an architect working in Beaumont, TX is $107,660, which is $34,320 more than the average pay in the profession.
